Devotion: Ecclesiastes 7:8

Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

In today’s verse we visit the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes and see that the end of a matter is better than the beginning, patience far better than pride. But what was the Teacher trying to tell us exactly? Why is the end better and how does pride play into it all? Let’s see if we can deconstruct the verse a little to glean new information.

The verse uses a contrast structure for comparing one side with the other. We see him compare the end with the beginning and patience with pride. Both are polar opposites and easy to see the differences between them. But can the end and beginning also be related to pride and patience? They are in the same sentence, separated by a comma. This verse is part of a series of “better” sayings in Ecclesiastes 7, urging wisdom in navigating through life’s challenges

When we start something new there is generally great excitement over it. Often new beginnings are things we are proud of – the purchase of a new car or house, the start of a new relationship, and so on. But the Teacher tells us that the end is better. And if you think about it, to reach the end we have to demonstrate great patience. If we can endure through the whole thing, we are known to be patient and mature. While beginnings are often filled with excitement, the end of a matter reveals its true character, value, and results of hard work.

What does this have to do with our daily living? As believers we should be patient and take joy in the end of things rather than the beginning. Regardless of the trials we face or the new things we embark upon, when handled with patience, we produce a far better outcome than the empty, temporary joy of fools who show pride in the beginning of things instead.

Let’s not be fools. Don’t celebrate the beginning with pride. Rather, in humility, thank God for helping carry you through to the end and giving you the patience to see the culmination of the experience.

Prayer: Lord, Help me to remember to be patient in going through every experience in life. Let me not be prematurely prideful of the beginnings, but rather celebrate the end. Amen 

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